Beyond Disability: Inclusive Marketing in an Intersectional World

As we approach International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, brands, advertisers and media platforms face a shifting landscape in diverse marketing. With changing political, economic, and social dynamics, understanding audiences—including disabled people—requires precision and nuance. This is especially true when considering the intersectional identities that many individuals have. Let’s examine the expectations, needs, and economic potential of this often-overlooked group, highlighting a strategic opportunity for brands to lean in with authentic and intersectional inclusivity.

Navigating a New Landscape in Diverse Marketing

The recent U.S. election underscored a growing truth: Connecting with audiences means going beyond surface-level demographics to understand complex, intersectional identities. Disabled people not only bring unique perspectives but also intersect with other groups, including different races, genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. For example, a young Latina with a physical disability may have different media preferences and purchasing behaviors than an older white male veteran with a hearing disability.

Brands that can leverage precise, multidimensional data to connect with these diverse experiences are well positioned to build meaningful relationships. 

Representation Matters More Than Ever

Gaps in disability representation remain stark, especially when intersectionality is considered. Overall, disabled individuals make up 26% of the U.S. population, but represented only 5.9% of the time on TV screens in 2024—down from 6.8%¹ last year. This disparity is even more pronounced with intersectional identities who belong to multiple marginalized groups; for example, people of color with any disability is represented 1.6% on TV in Q1 – Q3 2024².   

TV Representation vs. Population Share

Demand for Authenticity and Relevance

Authenticity has become non-negotiable. Among people with disabilities, 52%³ wish for more representation of their identity group on television, with 50% feeling their identity is often misrepresented. This sentiment is even stronger among those who hold multiple marginalized identities—for example, 60% of Black women with disabilities report feeling misrepresented.

This is even more pronounced for people with mental health disabilities, where 54% report feeling misrepresented. Audiences are more likely to disengage from brands that fall short—61% say they would stop purchasing from brands that don’t respect their community. Misrepresentation doesn’t just alienate viewers; it can have tangible economic consequences for brands.

People with disabilities will stop buying from brands who don’t value them

Source: 2023 Attitudes on Representation survey

Copyright ©2024 The Nielsen Company (US), LLC. All Rights Reserved.

A Powerful Economic Opportunity

The U.S. disability community wields an estimated $490 billion in annual disposable income, influencing an extended market worth more than $1 trillion when considering friends and family⁴. Moreover, 63% of disabled individuals will consider seeking a new brand because they feel their current brand does not align with the causes they care about.⁴

People with disabilities are discerning consumers, with 52% expecting brands to support causes aligned with their community⁴. Brands that prioritize inclusion can tap into this significant market potential, leading to increased market share and customer loyalty. By backing relevant social initiatives and developing accessible, inclusive products and services, brands can see substantial returns on investment.

Connecting with Audiences Where It Matters

Today’s audiences expect brands to meet them where they are. For disabled people, 70% report experiencing ads that don’t feel relevant to them, and 37% are likely to ignore ads that don’t reflect their identity group⁵. Irrelevant content drives disengagement. Brands can create ads that align with the real experiences and values of people with disabilities, considering the intersections of race, gender identity, age, and socioeconomic status. 

“It is important to provide authentic representation of the communities they serve,” said Lauren Appelbaum, SVP of Entertainment & Media of Disability Belongs, one of Nielsen’s partners in disability inclusive marketing. “Just as important, brands can and should include disabled people in their ad campaigns even when the ad is not about disability.”

In a media landscape where digital is growing, local television remains a trusted choice for people with disabilities. 33% select it as their primary news source, and 62% place it among their top three.⁴ This preference is even more pronounced in certain subgroups—such as older adults and rural communities—highlighting the importance of understanding the nuanced media consumption habits within the disability community.

Nielsen’s local data allows brands to tailor their messaging to specific markets, ensuring relevance and resonance. By identifying the preferred channels and content of different segments within the disability community, brands can optimize their media planning for maximum impact.

Accessibility as a Universal Benefit: The Curb Cut Effect In Action

While accessibility features are essential for disabled people, their benefits extend to all viewers. Just as curb cuts designed for wheelchair users benefit parents with strollers, cyclists, and delivery workers, accessibility features in media offer advantages for everyone. A prime example is closed captioning. While crucial for viewers who are deaf and hard of hearing, a surprising 58% of all people use subtitles. Of these, 38% find it improves their comprehension of the content, and 26% use it to enjoy content in different languages³. When you approach accessibility features from a universal perspective, it enhances the viewing experience for all. 

Industry-Specific Insights and Actionable Strategies

To drive deeper engagement with people with disabilities, brands should consider the following strategies:

• Invest in authentic representation: Collaborate with creators and talent from the disability community to ensure accurate and respectful portrayal.
• Leverage intersectional data: Use Nielsen’s multidimensional analytics to understand the overlapping identities of your target audience.
• Develop inclusive products and services: Prioritize accessibility in product design and service delivery to meet the needs of all consumers.
• Support relevant causes: Align with social initiatives and organizations that advocate for the disability community, reinforcing brand commitment to inclusion.
• Optimize media planning: Use data-driven insights to choose the right channels and times to reach your audience effectively.

“By thoughtfully integrating accessibility and representation into their business plans, disability-inclusive brands not only create a more inclusive environment but also foster stronger relationships with diverse audiences,” said Ariel Simms, President and CEO of Disability Belongs. “Brands that prioritize disability inclusion from the outset position themselves to reap the benefits of a more equitable marketplace.”

By implementing these strategies, brands can enhance their media planning and advertising effectiveness, leading to better engagement and a stronger return on investment. As diverse marketing needs evolve, understanding the unique dimensions of disability representation isn’t just ethical, it’s essential for brands to stay relevant and competitive. The intersection of identity, relevance, and buying power presents a compelling opportunity for brands to create truly inclusive, meaningful connections with a powerful and loyal audience. Nielsen can provide the insights needed to navigate this evolving landscape and drive success through authentic inclusivity.

Sources:

¹ Gracenote Inclusion Analytics Q1-Q3 2024 and 2023
² Gracenote Inclusion Analytics Q1-Q3 2024
³ 2023 Attitudes on representation survey
⁴ American Institutes for Research report 2018
⁵ 2024 Attitudes on advertising survey